Open Hands
Acts 20:35 (NKJV)
I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Try this with a child, or for that matter an adult. Have them hold out both hands, palms up, and put a dollar in each palm. Tell them to close their fists tight and keep them closed no matter what you say. Now tell them you’re very poor and need some money. Ask if you can have the two coins. No, their going to hold them tightly. Then tell them you’re very rich and would like to give them four dollars to replace the two they already have. Chances are they will still be holding tight to what they already have.
Open Hands
The illustration shows us what we sometimes fail to recognise, a closed hand misses two blessings in life. A closed hand can not enjoy the blessing of giving to others who are in need, nor can a closed hand receive blessings. God may want to bless you, He gives to us not only to meet our needs but also to teach us to give as Christ gave. Fully, generously, and unconditionally.
Prayerfully hold out both hands in front of you and present them to the Lord for His pleasure, to give or receive.
Open Hands
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Reverend Gary Hoban
Reverend Gary Hoban is the Founder and Director of Refinery Life Australia Limited, an Australian Christian ministry committed to equipping believers, strengthening the Church and contending for the nations through biblical teaching, discipleship and prayer.
An experienced pastor, author, Bible teacher and ministry leader, Reverend Hoban has devoted his life to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, developing Christian leaders and encouraging believers to grow in spiritual maturity and biblical understanding.
His ministry experience includes serving with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in Crusade Director and Training, Counselling and Discipleship Director roles, contributing to evangelism, discipleship and the equipping of Christian workers.
As the leader of Prophetic Intercessors for Australia, he encourages believers to stand in prayer for Australia and the nations, calling the Church to spiritual awakening, biblical righteousness and a renewed commitment to its God-given mission.
His international ministry includes preaching, teaching and equipping Christian communities throughout Australia and Southeast Asia, with a particular heart for strengthening local churches and developing disciples.
Reverend Hoban is the author of several Christian books, including HYBRIDS, 365 Daily Devotions, Beyond the Middle East and Contending for the Nations. His writing explores Christian discipleship, spiritual discernment, biblical prophecy, prayer and the Church's responsibility in a rapidly changing world.
Through Refinery Life Australia, he continues to develop biblical teaching resources, Christian training courses, books and digital ministry initiatives designed to make sound biblical teaching accessible to believers around the world.
His passion is to see a spiritually awakened Church, believers firmly established in God's Word, and nations transformed through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Comment(1)
Rogers says
1 February 2018 at 21:40This is awesome.